Philadelphia added 2 new stripes to the pride flag. Here's what they stand for.

Before a Pride parade in 1978, artist Gilbert Baker designed the first rainbow flag.

He dyed strips of fabric in eight colors and stitched them together. The positive response was almost immediate.

“We stood there and watched and saw the flags, and their faces lit up,” Gay rights activist Cleve Jones told The New York Times. “It needed no explanation. People knew immediately that it was our flag.”

Today the rainbow flag is a highly recognized symbol for equality, pride, and strength — not just for gays and lesbians, but the entire LGBTQ spectrum.

Gilbert Baker, helps stretch the mile and quarter long ‘World’s longest Rainbow Flag’ June 15,2003 from the Gulf of Mexico to the Atlantic coast in Key West, Florida. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

This month, the enduring symbol received a makeover to celebrate the intersecting identities within the LGBTQ community.

The city of Philadelphia advertising firm Trinity created a new Pride flag, expanding the colors to include black and brown stripes. The new stripes are a simple but effective way to honor people of color within the the city’s LGBTQ community.

Racism within the LGBTQ community is much bigger than Philly.

Many assume there would be a certain level of empathy for people of color within the LGBTQ community, as these marginalized populations would have a lot in common. But in many circles, it’s not the case.

Couple this with LGBTQ representations in pop culture focusing on wealthy, white, cisgender, male narratives, further perpetuating the idea that the LGBTQ community is incredibly one-note. This erasure and lack of representation have consequences, but efforts like Philadelphia’s policy changes and flag show we can do better.

Not in Philadelphia? Don’t worry, new flag swag is available now near you.

The diversity and intersection of identities within the LGBTQ community is what makes it so unique, beautiful, and strong. Building on and celebrating this dynamic community through our flag is a small step, that goes beyond words to action. This is a step in the right direction.

Know another flag that comes with its own hype video? Check out this short spot to see the passion behind the project.